Few takers for Mysuru-Bengaluru train

MYSURU: It is more than 10 days since the

first special train

between Bengaluru and Mysuru was flagged off after travel restrictions were lifted, but

passenger traffic

is yet to pick up. Trains on the route usually ran packed prior to the lockdown, but now, the 14-coach service, which can carry 1,400 passengers, sees only about 120 to 150 people on weekdays. The number goes up marginally on weekends.

The train departs from Bengaluru at 9.20am and reaches Mysuru at 12.45pm. On the return trip, its leaves Mysuru at 1.45pm and reaches Bengaluru at 5pm. Passengers say the timing is not ideal and want the train to leave Mysuru at 6am or 6.30am and Bengaluru at 5pm or 5.30pm.

Hemanth Kumar, who commutes regularly to Bengaluru said, “The present time is not suitable for those going to work. Railways should rethink the timing.”

Mahadev Shetty

, another passenger, said, “The train should run in the evening or morning. The present timing makes it difficult to plan any activities.”

Priya Shetty

, divisional commercial manager, Mysuru division, SWR, said, “We will wait for a week before deciding on what needs to be done.”